Marcus Johansson could be ready to return to the Washington lineup soon. The Capitals’ forward who’s been out with an upper-body injury for almost a month had a good skate today at practice and could reportedly play Thursday at home to Florida.

“He looked a lot better today,” Caps coach Adam Oates said. “He looked like he had jump. He needs some skates at full speed and contact. But we’ll talk about how ready he feels.”

It’s been a tough 2013 for Johansson, and not just for health reasons. The 22-year-old has just one goal and four shots in the nine games he’s managed to play. This after piling up 46 points in 80 games last season.

In other Caps injury news, defenseman Mike Green stayed off the ice today as he continues to rest his troublesome groin.

“He just needs to feel comfortable and we’re waiting for that moment where it’s OK to go again,” said Oates on Green.